Imaging system combining multiple still images for higher resolution image output

ABSTRACT

Digital image enhancement techniques and apparatus are provided that increase the effective resolution of a digital imager without requiring an increase in the number of pixel sensors in the digital imager. Multiple images are captured in succession from the digital imager. The multiple images are compared in order to determine a correlation between the pixels of each image and the pixels of each of the other images. Two or more of the multiple images are employed to produce a single image of greater resolution than the resolution of any single image alone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates generally to a method of and apparatus forincreasing the effective resolution of a digital imager.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. Description of the Related Art

Over the past number of years, digital cameras have begun to replacemore conventional film camera. Digital cameras employ electronicdevices, or “imagers,” to capture a picture by using electroniccomponents. Originally, the technology of electronic image captureemployed charged-coupled devices (CCDs) in products such as a televisioncamera in 1975 and an observatory telescope in 1979. In 1982, the firstsolid state personal camera using CCDs was introduced.

A low cost and more commonly available electronic component that issuitable for imagers is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)sensor. One advantage of CMOS sensors is that, unlike CCD technology,other circuits such as those required for error correction, imagestabilization, image compression and image enhancement may beincorporated in the same chip. In addition, a single chip designtypically requires less power than a multiple chip design, thusincreasing battery life.

Typically, a picture produced by all but the most expensive digitalcamera does not have as fine a resolution as the more traditionalfilm-based cameras. CMOS imager sensors included in digital cameras arefabricated as a two-dimensional array of millions of pixels. Until now,the only way to increase the resolution of the pictures the digitalcamera produces is to increase the number of pixels. Of course,increasing the number of pixels also increases the cost and complexityof the imager.

SUMMARY

Digital image enhancement techniques and apparatus are provided thatincrease the resolution of a digital imager without requiring anincrease in the number of pixel sensors in the digital imager. Multipleimages are captured in succession from the digital imager, typicallyfollowing a time interval corresponding to the length of time it takesto capture and store each image. The multiple images are compared inorder to determine a correlation between the pixels of each image andthe pixels of each of the other images. Two or more of the multipleimages are employed to produce a single image of greater resolution thanthe resolution of any single image alone. The technique takes advantageof a change in position of the digital imager between the capture ofindividual images and the resultant differences in the captured images.These resultant differences represent additional data that is employedto create a single image with a higher resolution than a digital imageris typically capable of producing. In other words, a digital imager withtwo million sensors can produce an image with a resolution equivalent toa digital sensor with four million pixels or more.

The techniques of the disclosed embodiment may be implemented incircuitry that is either co-located with an imaging array or located onan additional electronic component coupled to the imaging array. Anadvantage to the technique is that it reduces the need for additionpixel sensors to produce a higher resolution image. The technique can beimplemented either in real time, as the digital images are produced, orimplemented offline on successive images that have been stored in anelectronic storage medium.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingfigures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary imaging array.

FIG. 2 illustrates two successive images from the imaging array of FIG.1 superimposed upon one another.

FIG. 3 illustrates possible positions for pixels of successive imageswith respect to each other.

FIG. 4 illustrates several possible relationships between thecorresponding pixels of the two successive images of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of one embodiment of the disclosed digital imageenhancement techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although described with particular reference to a solid state imager,the image enhancement device (IED) of the invention can be implementedin any system in which it is desirable to increase the effectiveresolution of an image without increasing the number of hardwarecomponents. In addition, although described in conjunction with a colorimager, the disclosed techniques are equally applicable to a monochromeimager.

The IED of the invention can be implemented in software, hardware, or acombination of hardware and software. Selected portions of the IED areimplemented in hardware and software. The hardware portion of theinvention can be implemented using specialized hardware logic. Thesoftware portion can be stored in a memory and be executed by a suitableinstruction execution system (microprocessor). The hardwareimplementation of the IED can include any or a combination of thefollowing technologies, which are well known in the art: a discretelogic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functionsupon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit havingappropriate logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), etc.

Furthermore, the software of the IED, which comprises an ordered listingof executable instructions for implementing logical functions, can beembodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connectionwith an instruction execution system, apparatus or device, such as acomputer-based system, processor-containing system or other system thatcan fetch instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatusor device and execute the instructions.

In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be anymeans that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport theprogram for use by or in connection with the instruction executionsystem, apparatus or device. The computer-readable medium can be, forexample but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic optical,electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, apparatus or device.More specific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer readablemedium would include the following: an electrical connection(electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette(magnetic), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM, anerasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory),(magnetic), an optical fiber (optical) and a portable compact discread-only memory or another suitable medium upon which the program isprinted, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instanceoptical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled,interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary,and then stored in a computer system.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an imaging array 100 thatincludes thirty-six pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56 and61–66. Typically, an imager array contains millions of pixel sensors,but, for simplicity, the illustrated imaging array 100 contains onlythirty-six pixel sensors. In the disclosed embodiment, each pixel sensoris a charged-coupled devices (CCD) that builds a charge when exposed tolight of a wavelength of a particular color. In alternative embodiments,the techniques may be implemented in other types of electronic devicessuch as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device and asilicon germanium (SiGe) device In this manner, the imaging arraycaptures an image that is then stored in a digital format. In order tocapture an image, the pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56and 61–66 of the imaging array 100 are exposed to light, the pixelvalues are read, processed according to the techniques of the disclosedembodiment, and recorded. An image that is captured at a particular timewithin the pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 51–56 and 61–66 of theimaging array 101 is referred to as a “frame.” Each frame captures adigital representation of the scene, or “view,” at which the digitalimager 100 is pointed.

In this example, the imaging array is configured in a “Bayer” pattern. ABayer pattern consists of alternating rows with alternating colors ineach row; i.e., alternate rows 10, 30 and 50 are similar, and alternaterows 20, 40 and 60 are similar. Rows 10, 30 and 50 include alternatingblue (“B”) and green (“G”) pixel sensors. In row 10, pixels 11, 13 and15 are blue; and pixel sensors 12, 14 and 16 are green. Rows 20, 40 and60 include alternating green and red (“R”) pixel sensors. In row 20,pixel sensors 21, 23 and 25 are green; and pixel sensors 22, 24 and 26are red. This alternating colors in alternating rows is relevant to thetechniques of the disclosed embodiment because between successivecaptured images the imaging array typically moves a slight amount. Thetechniques compare pixel sensors of the same color to determine acorrespondence between successive images. Because of the alternatingpixel sensor colors, the imaging array must move either almost nodistance or at least a two-pixel distance for pixel sensors of the samecolor in corresponding images to represent the same or close to the samepoint in a scene captured by the pixel sensors. The techniques takeadvantage of the difference between images; and, if pixels of the samecolor in corresponding images represent the same point, little imageresolution is gained. Thus, the two-pixel distance between pixel sensorsof the same color provide a wider timing window for successive images.

Also included in the imaging array 100 is a read out register 102. Theread out register 102 includes read out bytes (ROBs) 71–76. In order torecord the values of the pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56and 61–66, the pixel values are shifted into the read out register 102and then transmitted sequentially, producing an IMAGE_OUT signal 104.ROBs 71–76 correspond to columns 81–86 of pixel sensors, respectively.During a read of the imaging array, columns 81–86 are shifted intocorresponding ROBs 71–76 one row art a time. For example, the value ofthe pixel sensor 61 of column 81 is shifted into the ROB 71, the valueof pixel sensor 51, also of column 81, is shifted into pixel sensor 61,and so on. In other words, once the pixel sensors 61–66 of row 60 areshifted into the ROBs 71–76 of the read out register 103, the ROBs 71–76are transmitted sequentially as the IMAGE_OUT signal 104. Then, row 50is shifted into row 60, row 40 is shifted into row 50 and so on. Thisprocess is continued until the values of all the pixel sensors 11–16,21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56 and 61–66, or the frame, have beentransmitted as the IMAGE_OUT signal 104.

The imaging array 100 transmits the IMAGE_OUT signal 104 to an imageenhancement device 108. The IED 108 includes a memory 106 for storingdata transmitted on the IMAGE_OUT signal 104 and for storing code toimplement the techniques of the disclosed embodiment. The memory 106 maybe implemented as registers, random access memory (RAM), first-in,first-out (FIFO) memory, or some other well known memory system. Thespecific type of memory 106 is not critical to the spirit of theinvention. A CONTROL signal 112 is transmitted from the IED 108 to theimaging array 100. The function of the CONTROL signal 112 is explainedin more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 5. Also transmitted fromthe IED 108 is an ENHANCED_IMAGE_OUT (“E_I_O”) signal 110. The E_I_Osignal 110 represents an enhanced image produced according to thetechniques of the disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates two successive images, an image_X 10 and an image_Y20, both of which include pixel values read from the imaging array 100(FIG. 1). Image_X 10 and image_Y 20 are superimposed on each other.Image_X 10 includes pixel values B_(X) 111, G_(X) 112, B_(X) 113, G_(X)114, B_(X) 115, G_(X) 116, G_(X) 121, R_(X) 122, G_(X) 123, R_(X) 124,G_(X) 125, R_(X) 126, B_(X) 131, G_(X) 132, B_(X) 133, G_(X) 134, B_(X)135, G_(X) 136, G_(X) 141, R_(X) 142, G_(X) 143, R_(X) 144, G_(X) 145,R_(X) 146, B_(X) 151, G_(X) 152, B_(X) 153, G_(X) 154, B_(X) 155, G_(X)156, G_(X) 161, R_(X) 162, G_(X) 163, R_(X) 164, G_(X) 165 and R_(X)166. Image_Y 20 includes pixel values B_(Y) 211, G_(Y) 212, B_(Y) 213,G_(Y) 214, B_(Y) 215, G_(Y) 216, G_(Y) 221, R_(Y) 222, G_(Y) 223, R_(Y)224, G_(Y) 225, R_(Y) 226, B_(Y) 231, G_(Y) 232, B_(Y) 233, G_(Y) 234,B_(Y) 235, G_(Y) 236, G_(Y) 241, R_(Y) 242, G_(Y) 243, R_(Y) 244, G_(Y)245, R_(Y) 246, B_(Y) 251, G_(Y) 252, B_(Y) 253, G_(Y) 254, B_(Y) 255,G_(Y) 256, G_(Y) 261, R_(Y) 262, G_(Y) 263, R_(Y) 264, G_(Y) 265 andR_(Y) 266.

The pixel values 111–116, 121–126, 131–136, 141–146, 151–156, 161–166,211–216, 221–226, 231–236, 241–246, 251–256 and 261–266 of image_X 10and image_Y 20 represent pixel values captured by successive readings ofthe pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56 and 61–66 (FIG. 1).Each of the pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56 and 61–66captures a light value corresponding to a spot in a scene, or “view,”200 to which the imaging array 100 is pointed. A complete image such asone represented by the pixel values 111–116, 121–126, 131–136, 141–146,151–156, 161–166 typically takes 30 milliseconds (ms) to be transferredfrom the imaging array 100, through the ROBs 71–76, transmitted out theIMAGE_OUT signal 104 (FIG. 1) and stored in the memory 106. In this 30ms time interval, the position of the imaging array 100 may shift asmall distance with the result that the image_X 10 represents a slightlydifferent frame than the image_Y 20. The techniques of the disclosedembodiment take advantage of this small difference between image_X 10and image_Y 20 to produce a single image with a higher resolution thaneither image_X 10 or image_Y 20 alone. The position of image_X 10 withrespect to image_Y 20 depends upon the amount the imaging array 100 hasmoved in the time interval between the two images 10 and 20. The timeinterval between the capture of image_X 10 and image_Y 20 may be betweenthe minimum time necessary to read out an image from the imaging array100, or 30 ms in this example, to a dynamically-determined of fixedinterval of time, such as 100 ms.

FIG. 3 illustrates a four-pixel sensor portion of the imaging array 100,specifically pixel sensors B 11, B 13, B 31 and B 33. In this example,the pixel sensors B 11, B 13, B 31 and B 33 are assumed to be inposition to capture the pixel values B_(X) 111, B_(X) 113, B_(X) 131 andB_(X) 133. After the imaging array 100 shifts position between thecapture of image_X 10 and image_Y 20, the pixel B 11 captures pixelvalue B_(Y) 211 of image_Y 20. After the imaging array 100 shiftsposition between the capture of image_Y 20 and an image_Z (not shown),the pixel B 11 captures a pixel value B_(Z) 311 of image_Z. An area_X302 is the space between the pixel sensors B 11, B 13, B 31 and B 33 andrepresents some possible pixel value capture locations of the pixelsensor B 11, assuming that the imaging array 100 has shifted in thedirection of area_X 302 and not beyond.

Included within area_X 10 are four areas of equal size, an area_X1 304,an area_X2 306, and area_X3 308 and an area_X4 310, adjacent to pixelsensor B 13, pixel sensor B 33, pixel sensor B 21 and pixel sensor B 11respectively. When added together, area_X1 304, area_X2 306, area_X3 308and area_4 310 represent one half (½) of the area of area_X 302. Anarea_X0 312 is the area within area_X 302 that does not include area_X1304, area_X2 306, area_X3 308 or area_X4 310. Area_X0 312 alsorepresents one half (½) of the area of area_X 302. If the pixel valueB_(Y) 211 represents a value of light measured somewhere within thearea_X 302, then pixel value B_(Y) 211 has an approximately fiftypercent (50%) probability of representing a pixel sensor reading inarea_X0 312 and an approximately fifty percent (50%) probability ofrepresenting a pixel sensor reading in one of area_X1 304, area_X2 306,area_X3 308 and area_X4 310. Although the resolution of a resultantimage produced according to the disclosed techniques from image_X 10 andimage_Y 20 is better than either image_X 10 or image_Y 20 regardless ofwhere within area_X 302 that pixel sensor B 111 is located, theresultant image is typically more desirable the greater the separationbetween the pixel sensors when image_X 10 is captured and when image_Y20 is captured. In other words, it is desirable for pixel value B_(Y)211 to fall within area_X0 312 rather than area_X1 304, area_X2 306,area_X3 308 or area_X4 310. An area_X5 314 represents the portion ofarea_X0 closest to the pixel sensor B 33. If a pixel sensor readingfalls within area_X 302 but outside of both area_X2 306 and area_X5 314,then the pixel value capture position is closer to one of the otherpixel sensors B 11, B 13 or B 31.

If the third successive image, image_Z, is captured by the imaging array100, then a third point, the pixel value B_(Z) 311, is captured. Thepixel value B_(Z) 311, like the pixel value B_(Y) 211, has a fiftypercent (50%) probability of falling within area_X0 312. Assuming thatthe positions of the pixel values B_(Y) 211 and the pixel value B_(Z)311 with respect to the pixel sensors B 11, B 13, B 31 and B 33 areindependent of each other, then the probability that at least one ofpixel value B 211 and pixel value B 311 falls within the area_X0 isapproximately seventy-five percent (75%), based upon the followingprobability equation: probability p=1−[0.5*0.5].

It should be noted that although there is approximately a seventy-fivepercent (75%) probability that one of pixel values 211 and 311represents a light reading within the optimal area for image enhancementwith respect to image_X 10, or area_X0 312, there is also a fiftypercent (50%) probability that image_Y 20 and image_Z are at the optimalspacing with respect to each other regardless of their positions withrespect to image_X 10. Thus, the probability of any two images of theimages image_X 10, image_Y 20 and image_Z are optimally spaced isapproximately eighty-seven percent (87%). Of course, the probabilitythat any two of a number of images are spaced optimally with respect toeach other approaches one hundred percent (100%) as the number of imagesincreases.

FIG. 4 illustrates several possible correlations between the pixelvalues in image_X 10 and the pixel values in image_Y 20. Although it ispossible for the pixels of the imaging array 100 to move farther betweenimages than the two-pixel distance assumed for illustrative purposes inFIG. 3, the techniques of the disclosed embodiment still apply. Agreater than two-pixel movement of the imaging array 100 merelycomplicates a correlation step 508 (see FIG. 5) without substantiallychanging other portions of the disclosed embodiment.

In this example, Image_Y 20 is shifted with respect to image_X 10 untila correct correlation is found. A shift 402 moves image_Y 20 so thatpixel value B_(Y) 211 is compared with pixel value B_(X) 111, pixelvalue G_(Y) 212 is compared with pixel value G_(X) 112, pixel valueB_(Y) 213 is compared with pixel value B_(X) 113, and so on. A shift 406moves image_Y 20 with respect to image_X 10 so that pixel B_(Y) 211 iscompared with pixel value B_(X) 113, pixel value G_(Y) 221 is comparedwith pixel value G_(X) 123, pixel value B_(Y) 231 is compared with pixelvalue B_(X) 133, and so on. A shift 404 moves image_Y 20 with respect toimage_X 10 so that pixel B_(Y) 211 is compared with pixel value B_(X)131, pixel value G_(Y) 212 is compared with pixel value G_(X) 132, pixelvalue B_(Y) 213 is compared with pixel value B_(X) 133, and so on.

Shifts 402, 404 and 406 are used as examples only. If the imaging array100 moves a great enough distance between image_X 10 and image_Y 20,then the best correlation between image_X 10 and image_Y 20 may be toshift image_Y 20 several pixels distance in one direction or another. Itshould be noted that the term “shift” means to correspond pixels in aparticular position; there is no actual shifting of pixels. Aftercorrelating the pixels values of image_X 10 and image_Y 20 in aparticular position, values of corresponding pixels may be multipliedtogether and the values of all the products added together. The positionthat produces the highest sum of squares is then designated the positionin which the pixels of image_X 10 and image_Y 20 correspond to eachother. One with skill in the imaging arts knows various methods ofcorrelating images and any method may be employed in the disclosedtechniques.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process 500 implemented by the IED 108.Process 500 begins in a Begin Image Enhancement step 502 and thenproceeds directly to a Capture Image step 504. In step 504 the pixelsensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46, 51–56 and 61–66 of the imaging array100 (FIG. 1) are exposed to a light source and become charged based uponthe intensity of the light source. As explained above in conjunctionwith FIG. 1, the values of the pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46,51–56 and 61–66 are shifted into the ROBs 71–76 of the read-out register102 and then transmitted as the IMAGE_OUT signal 104. For the purposesof this example, the first image is image_X 10 (FIG. 2). In a CMOSimaging array, this process typically takes approximately 30 ms.

Once the image is captured in step 502, process 500 proceeds to anEnough Images step 506 where the process 500 determines whether enoughimages have been captured in step 504. In this example, only one image,image_X 10, has been captured so process 500 proceeds to step 504 whereanother image, image_Y 20, is captured. Process 500 then proceeds tostep 506 where again process 500 determines whether enough images havebeen captured. The determination of whether enough images have beencaptured can be based upon a fixed number of images, such as two orthree, or can be based upon the properties of the images themselves. Inone embodiment, the imaging array 100 automatically produces exactly twoimages in succession and transmits them by means of the IMAGE_OUT signal104 for processing by the IED 108. In another embodiment, the IED 108determines whether another image is necessary and issues a CONTROLsignal 112 to the imaging array. Upon receipt of the CONTROL signal 112,the image array 100 captures another image for transmission on theIMAGE_OUT 104 signal. For example, the IED 108 can determine in realtime whether any two of multiple images have the necessary degree ofseparation, as explained above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4, toenable the IED 108 to produce a suitable image. It should be noted thatonce two images have been correlated, the degree of separation isinversely proportional to the similarity of the pixel values. In otherwords, if the pixel values of two correlated images are very similar,then there is a good probability that the like-color pixel sensors inthe imaging array 100 captured successive values from close to the samespot in the view 200 (FIG. 2). A greater separation between images isdesirable because more information is then captured for the disclosedenhancement techniques.

If none of the multiple images have the necessary degree of separationfrom at least one of the other multiple images, then process 500 signalsthe imaging array 100 via the control signal 112 and control returns tostep 504 where another image is captured by the imaging array 100. Inanother embodiment, the imaging array 100 automatically captures a fixednumber of images and transmits those images to the IED 108 withoutemploying the CONTROL signal 112.

If process 500 determines in step 506 that enough images have beentransmitted by the imaging array 100, then control proceeds to acorrelate images step 508. As explained above, in an alternativeembodiment, step 508 may be positioned between step 504 and step 506 inorder to assist the determination of whether enough images have beencaptured in step 504. The Correlate Images step 508 functions wasexplained above in conjunction with FIG. 5. The image shifts 402, 404and 406 represent three possible correlations between two images such asimage_X 10 and image_Y 20. It should be noted that other shifts arepossible if image_X 10 and image_Y 20 are oriented in differentpositions with respect to each other. For example, if the imaging array100 has moved more that a two pixel distance between the capture ofimage_X 10 and the capture of image_Y 20, pixel value B_(Y) 213 may, forexample, correspond to pixel value B_(X) 111, with all the other pixelsshifted accordingly.

Following the correlation of the images in step 508, the process 500proceeds to an Interpolate Points step 510 where the images correlatedin step 508 are merged by combining the pixel values from the imagesinto a single image. In this manner, a imaging array 100 with twomillion image sensors such as pixel sensors 11–16, 21–26, 31–36, 41–46,51–56 and 61–66 can approach the resolution of an imaging array withfour million or more pixels without increasing the number of pixelsensors themselves.

After step 510, the process 500 proceeds to a Output Enhanced Image step512 where the single image produced in step 510 is transmitted on theE_I_O signal 112 (FIG. 1). Following the transmission of the singleimage, the process 500 proceeds to a End Image Enhancement step 514where processing is complete.

In an alternative embodiment of the claimed subject matter, multipleimages may be taken and stored before any of the processing steps areinitiated. In other words, the disclosed technique may be implementedoff-line. In addition, the claimed subject matter is applicable to thecapture and processing of monochrome images. While various embodimentsof the application have been described, it will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementationsare possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly,the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents.

1. A method for increasing the resolution of an imaging array, themethod comprising: capturing two or more images within the imagingarray, each image captured in a successive time interval correspondingto an image capture and storage rate of the imaging array; correlatingpixels of at least one of the two or more images by shifting to locatecorresponding pixels of the other images, wherein the correlatingincludes multiplying values of shifted pixels and the correspondingpixels of the other images to generate a plurality of products,generating a squared sum of the plurality of products, and obtaining thehighest squared sum of the plurality of products; and combining thecorrelated pixels of the two or more selected images into a singleenhanced image; wherein an effective resolution of the single enhancedimage is greater than a resolution of each of the two or more images. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the combining comprises: creating newpixel values by interpolating values between the corresponding pixels ofthe combined images.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging arrayis comprised of charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the imaging array is comprised of complementary metaloxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe successive time interval is between 10 milliseconds (ms) and 100 ms.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging array is a monochromeimaging array.
 7. An image enhancing device comprising: means forreceiving a plurality of successive images from an imaging array; amemory for storing the plurality of successive images; and means forcorrelating a first plurality of pixels of a first image of theplurality of images by shifting to locate a second plurality of pixelsof a second image of the plurality of images corresponding to the firstplurality of pixels, wherein the correlating means includes means formultiplying values of the first plurality of pixels and thecorresponding second plurality of pixels to generate a plurality ofproducts means for generating a squared sum of the plurality ofproducts, and means for obtaining the highest squared sum of theplurality of products; and means for combining the first plurality ofpixels with the second plurality of pixels to generate an enhancedimage, such that an effective resolution of the enhanced image isgreater than a resolution of either the first image or the second image.8. The image enhancing device of claim 7, further comprising: means fortransmitting an instruction to the imaging array to capture anadditional image and to transmit the additional image to the means forreceiving.
 9. The image enhancing device of claim 8, further comprising:means for determining when the additional image is required from theimaging array; and means for generating the instruction when thedetermining means determines the additional image is required.
 10. Theimage enhancing device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of successiveimages are transmitted by the imaging array between 10 milliseconds (ms)and 100 ms apart.
 11. The image enhancing device of claim 7, wherein theplurality of images are captured within the imaging array bycharge-coupled device (CCD) sensors.
 12. The image enhancing device ofclaim 7, wherein the plurality of images are captured within the imagingarray by complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.
 13. Adigital camera comprising: an imaging array; and an image enhancementdevice coupled to the imaging array, the image enhancement deviceincluding: a memory for storing two or more images received form theimaging array; logic for correlating a first plurality of pixels of afirst image of the two or more of images by shifting to locate a secondplurality of pixels of a second image of the two or more of imagescorresponding to the first plurality of pixels, wherein the logic forcorrelating includes logic for multiplying values of the first pluralityof pixels and the corresponding second plurality of pixels to generate aplurality of products, logic for generating a squared sum of theplurality of products, and logic for obtaining the highest squared sumof the plurality of products; and logic for combining the firstplurality of pixels with the second plurality of pixels to generate anenhance image, such that an effective resolution of the enhanced imageis greater than a resolution of either the first image or the secondimage.
 14. The digital camera of claim 13, the image enhancement devicefurther comprising: a transmitter configured to transmit an instructionto the imaging array to capture an additional image and to transmit theadditional image to the image enhancement device image.
 15. The digitalcamera of claim 13, wherein the time between the two or more is between10 milliseconds (ms) and 100 ms.
 16. The digital camera of claim 13,wherein the two or more images are captured within the imaging array bycharge-coupled device (CCD) sensors.
 17. The digital camera of claim 13,wherein the two or more images are captured within the imaging array bycomplementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.